yogen | Two adult men circle each other like wary cats, the post

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Two adult men circle each other like wary cats, the post

WHO: James Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes, and you!
WHEN: Probably after the whole...murder discussion thing
WHAT: Two men have found their way, and as is normal for them, immediately start blaming and barking at each other. And then after the girls are done fighting, they'll be around snooping in the area.

[Today, there's...a commotion in the auditorium. Looking out from the hallway - or approaching when you were already inside - will give you an eyeful of what looks like two adult men - one tall, thin, and with slicked back black hair, and the other with a head of gray hair and a mustache - in high school uniforms warily circling each other while also apparently talking.

One of them - the older man - has a decent set of lungs on him, which is probably what drew you to look at the courtyard in the first place.]

"...Blaming me for this, Holmes? How very arrogant of you!"

[The tall man is shockingly pale, his eyes daring around then back at the short man, his movements harried, sounding oddly breathless when he retorts]

"Can one be blamed when you always seem to be on the edge if not right in the middle of suspicious incidents?"

"Surely you can't believe I'm responsible for all of this! Isn't it much more likely we both got dragged to some kind of Singularity?"

[A pause and an unreadable expression flits across the tall man - Holmes' - face. His arms folds over his chest, his right hand gripping his left forearm tightly in the process, shoulders hunching up]

"...It is possible."

[The older man gives a scoff, shaking his head.]

"Yes, because I just happened to find another demon pillar to team up with, and chose a school to do my dastardly plan in."

"Fine. You're probably not involved. And no contact from Chaldea..."

[The younger man paces, still tightly gathered into himself.]

"Can't rely on outside here..."

"At least you can make out that in your current state."

[The men continue to circle and bicker as they keep their eyes on each other, practically wearing out a path with their feet as they do so.

There's the feeling they're not going to stop until someone breaks them up...Or, maybe you should leave and try to catch them later, alone?]

((OOC: OKAY SO - Moriarty and Holmes will have Individual top levels with prompts you can hit up, if you don't want to be involved in their little weird circle dance up top. If you DO, then just comment to this post and we'll both reply!))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hm....The way he suddenly can't look at him - thinking of something, most likely. Definitely about what he'd just said, that much was for certain.

...Interesting. A more intellectual type, then? Or perhaps someone who ruminates over conversation?

Then it picks back up again, and for the moment, he focuses on that.]

An ordinary number....? Hm, I suppose....but for myself, there is no such thing as 'an ordinary number.' I'm a mathematician, you see, thus it becomes much easier for me to ruminate over such things.

After all, 6 constantly shows up in the natural world, and even some other religions. The mark of the Beast itself may very well be just numerology in a different language...coded so that the authorities at the time would not understand to who it was referring to.

[He gives a smile, his eyes glimmering.]

Humans have the ability to find terror and beauty in numbers....it's quite amusing, don't you think?

[And then, he shrugs - lightly, and a little self - accusingly for someone who can notice such things...like Komaeda.]

- But, listen to me prattle on! You're entirely correct - I haven't completely gone more in depth with my PDA beyond a requisite look. I was assuming I would have more time to, later - if you'd like, you can take a look...?

( and yet, he wasn't able to avoid the question he gave with such curiosity, but rather than accepting the normal and the boring, he allows komaeda to learn. a mathematician, someone who values numbers and formulas to come to their conclusions, sometimes. the closest komaeda has came into contact with someone like that is another who analyzed everything around him, and decided whether the results meant something or not. that person wasn't fond of boring, or original outcomes, but the unexpected. he thinks that's the type of person he's come into contact with, but it's not. of course, he won't complain about one or the other — )

I see, to think you're so knowledgeable in that detail, and now you're the one who obtained that string of numbers. That really is lucky. ( what he doesn't speak on is that despite the luck associated with it or not, there's still something more to the number. ) That sort of concept means it's important to them, and they followed through with their beliefs. ( easily, his personality remains positive as he speaks on the matter, quite supportive of the mark of the beast — of course, he's like this about everything around him. )

Hey. That's kind of like us now. ( with one hand, he taps lightly against his right arm and his jacket's sleeve keeps them from view, but not too hard considering the sensitivity that's left from the tally marks. ) We don't know what these are referring to, but we're left in the dark to find out ourselves. How lucky, ( there it is again, that word. ) to have you with them. I wonder if you'd be able to find out the meaning...

( that said, komaeda wonders which of the two moriarty would find, and if not one, perhaps both. there could be something strangely poetic behind these unknown scars of theirs. between beauty and terror, komaeda can't say he feels either way. so instead, he allows the other to choose instead. )

Hm.. ( the information that's inside of a pda is personal, isn't it? though, komaeda can't have someone of the older crowd lost in his new device. it's here komaeda extends the one hand that had tapped against his arm, and he's giving the other the chance to take back his offer. ) You did say it's a 1 in a million chance for you to get this, shouldn't you have the honors of looking through?

....Are you interested in the concept of luck?

[Because you've said that for like....3 or 4 times now, and it's hard to ignore at this point - it speaks to a fixation, almost. Potentially. There are superstitious people out there, and the workings of the world he came from would actually say to put stock in those.

But then, he finds himself wondering, what kind of luck does he focus on?]

Ah - yes, those marks.

[He casually lifts his left arm, showing the number there - seemingly without realizing - as 19 tally marks are etched into his skin, as clear as day.]

I'd need much more information to even begin to attempt to puzzle out a meaning to them - I have just arrived, after all.

[That should be that for now - but when He hears that offer to take back what he offered...he laughs, shaking his head.]

My dear boy, it is also a one in a million chance for you to have received the ID you had, and I have already given it a look. Unless you believe me to be a doddering old man that has no idea to work modern technology?

[That's in a joking tone - a little rib, but definitely pulling out all his charm at once.]

What makes you think that? ( he blinks slow, trying to think if he said anything that would warrant the other to speak about that. of course, it's almost like he's playing a mind game here, wanting to pick apart the other's way of thinking, but it could be that he's aware of what komaeda is actually saying. of course, his eyes widen as he comes to a conclusion — he's listening to him? truthfully, he wouldn't be surprised if the other ignored him, actually. ) ...I wouldn't say interested... It's just that I'm lucky...

( his disappointment speaks volumes, eyes glancing down at the ground as if he can't come to terms with the idea behind it. who knew that someone like him would ever be chosen for a talent so meaningless, well, it's not like it's that important. it's when moriarty shows his arm, exposing the nineteen tallies that komaeda makes sure to count them mentally one by one. just as confusing, there's nothing explaining what they could mean, and it must be a secret language within this school. )

I only have 6. ( the stark difference between their number, and whatever could it mean? who knows. there's too many mysteries hidden behind them and not having a lead would make it difficult, and also the other is right. he just arrived so looking into this matter would have to wait, he'd have to gather his bearings. )

Ah, sorry... I didn't think about your feelings on the matter.

( not like he thinks about anyone's, but seeing that his company is serious about komaeda going through his pda, there he laughs softly. ) I am assuming quite a lot, aren't I? I guess we both have our faults. ( faults? komaeda shakes his head, and then his eyes raise back up to stare moriarty into his own. ) It's fine to call me "trash," since you're new here, you wouldn't have known. ( honestly, komaeda didn't expect him to, but correcting him seems fair. ) As for your PDA, I'll look through it, but I'm not as talented as a detective.

That. That is exactly what I mean.

[It's always a mind game with Moriarty - even the great Sherlock Holmes takes care to touch whatever he's involved in as little as possible to keep him from realizing what's happening.

Komaeda will have to learn - Moriarty is always listening, even when it seems that he's not, catching that wide eyed expression in the moment he realizes the man is listening to what he's saying, and the disappointment that follows.]

Young man - what is it that you think that 'luck' is? I'm curious.

[He doesn't seem upset or malicious about it - no, he seems genuinely curious. Even just as curious as he listens to the musings that the other man does in front of him without a hint of being annoyed or disinterested, the picture of polite curiosity.

A face that's incredibly difficult to crack beyond that austere image.]

And as for that matter....Why is it that you call yourself trash?

[His voice is calm, gentle, and even as he says that.]

( there's this spark of interest in his eyes, already aware of an answer without even having to think about it. he's asked the same question to many people, but to have the same inquiry spoken to him is more than welcomed. for someone who didn't seem proud about being lucky, he answer it the only way that he knows. )

Absolute power.

( good luck, specifically. though he's unable to control it, this same luck is what has molded his entire life and the way he thinks. it's why he's even smiling right now without second guessing himself, besides, he doesn't mind exposing this information. here, he holds out his hands on both side of him, his normal hand and the other whirring with every movement to show his enthusiasm. his voice is higher, accommodating both his feelings and passion on the concept as he speaks: )

That's right, that's what good luck is! No matter the pain you go through, or the loss, even the hardships, there's something good waiting. ( he nods to himself, his smile widening, and for a moment it seems his eyes sparkle with excitement. ) Sometimes you have to go through an event extremely bad to obtain the extremely good, that's why I don't mind... if something is unlucky. ( as he says that, there's a moment that the lights above them in the hall begins to flicker, it was steady and slow at first, but it proceeds to pick up momentum as if they're ready to explode. as serious as this discussion is to him, he doesn't notice the lights above him as he's pulled into his own thoughts of right and wrong, how luck works and how there's nothing for him to be afraid of. )

As long as we have hope, even that doesn't matter.

( it's that specific word that makes komaeda's heart skips a beat, and it's like a drop of a hat that his immediate happiness switches back to a more calm personality. the lights above them even cease flickering, so that might have been a show of bad luck. he blinks once, then twice, canting his head to the side as his lips purse into a straight line. )

Oh, I'm a worthless human being, so it's to be expected! Isn't that easy to see?

[....

For a moment, Moriarty's perfect composure cracks - his expression turning from his normally solid, immovably polite mask to one of shock.

A blink and you'll miss it expression, as he settles back in, but -

How incredible. How entirely unexpected! If he's right...no. No, it's still too early to truly say if his suspicions are correct, but the way the young man in front of him talks...

The way the lights flicker is even more interesting. Is it a power he still somehow has, even now - or is it truly coincidence?

Is there even a difference between them?

Moriarty suppresses the villainous smile that wants to come out over his face, and instead looks as if he's mulling over the whole idea - before tilting his head just so. Just enough to look innocent.]

Power, hm...?

[He says it gravely, before nodding.]

'Good things come to those who wait.' Is that your Raison d'être, or merely how you have come to see the world?

[Or is it, potentially, both?]

I must admit, I have some difficulty seeing you as a worthless human being....seeing as you can still speak of Hope so brightly. That, and I have seen some truly hopeless cases in my time on this earth [haw haw], and someone who can still speak of things like this...well. I would hardly consider them trash.

( komaeda's been aware of this man's calm nature, taking things in stride and understanding what's around him. he's been positive, that's just something that's been in plain sight, and when his expression shifts for just a moment — komaeda records it. how long will it remain because of his condition? who knows, but he knows that as of now, the gentleman had been caught off guard by komaeda's eccentrics — or did he do it on purpose? )

I wonder...

( he laughs sheepishly, glancing off to the side not because he doesn't want his face to be seen, but rather, he's trapped within his own headspace. interestingly enough, despite being disappointed in being called lucky, he seems to have a positive view on his way of life. )

You could say that. ( he doesn't even answer which, but moriarty will notice that. )

Most people are scared of what the future brings them but for me... I'm excited. ( because there's always something waiting for him despite the constant pain that he goes through. at this rate, komaeda's numbed to everything that happens around him. the loss of life, the anger of people, the sadness, it really doesn't matter because despite their emotions, they should be aware that they gain something. ) This place... is just the start, it's unfortunate... unlucky that everyone is trying to adjust themselves to living here.

( and his smile remains soft, finally looking back to moriarty with confidence because he's sure of these thoughts, it's literally how he feels. ) It's like they're giving up by settling, and I couldn't live with myself seeing their hope diminish so quickly. ( he nods to himself, that's right. ) That's why I want to help them towards their hope. I'm not meant to bask in it with them, so I must be the dirt that their footfalls walk upon.

( he sounds happy about it though. ) That's how much I'm worth... to nourish their hope because that's the dirt's job... ( how did it go from luck to hope that fast? well, komaeda's brain really can't stay on subject. ) Your hope... I'll help you obtain that as well, I am worthless, but I'm good for one thing.

( two actually, but that's not important. )

[And there it was.

A new kind of philosophical outlook - though it does, in some ways, echo the man who Komaeda looks so similar to (and will never give moriarty the time of day, the stuck-up count), it's also refreshingly different enough that he wants to hear more. This kind of outlook...is also, perhaps....

He leans forward, his blue-gray eyes twinkling with unfettered interest.]

So, you see yourself as a....nurturer of this Hope, yes? And you think of it intrinsically tied to luck? Please, feel free to correct me if I go off base - But I can't help but find such an outlook fascinating.

This Hope of yours....it is the desire to see humans go forward despite adversity, is it not? Or - whatever drives them forward, regardless of their own personal reasons, as long as it is strong enough? And so, you wish to see them gain that reason, or strengthen it, whatever it may be.

Yet, you have also declared that such a goal is impossible for you. So, then, you must devote yourself to them, even at the expense of yourself...because growing anything in the dirt demands that the dirt itself have it's nutrients stolen from it. But, you also seem delighted at such an outcome, instead of fearing or despairing it. Yes, this isn't pretty words, or a thought experiment - for you, it seems, it truly is what you believe in, with all your heart.

[There's a moment after he speaks, where he blinks...and then gives a sheepish laugh.]

...Ah, do forgive me. In addition to being a mathmatician, I am also a meddler in the realm of philosophy. Though I cannot claim to be a scholar of it, wahahahaha!

It's because I love them.

( he starts, his face flushed as he looks towards the ground again, and he recalls his feelings on the matter of those who are the beacons of hope. in his mind, the image of every ultimate he's known and has met flashes through his mind, even the few within this cursed school. those sets of people are called "the symbols of hope" for a reason, and because of their existence, of course komaeda would want to see them prosper. he's learned that even those who lack talent are able to bring about hope through his own past experiences, but some are different than others. their strength counts on komaeda's involvement, and so he does what he can. )

I don't idolize the people who can bring about hope, this is a form of true, pure love. I want to see those who can bring hope into this world prosper, to overcome any hurdle that gets in their way. ( his own feelings hardly matter in that, it's why he can only focus on those around him. as long as they're able to obtain that one important thing called hope, then he's willing to give his everything — even now, he can't help but hug himself during his little explanation. it's comforting to him. ) I know better than anyone that I'm an insignificant human being...

( his breathing is heavier than before. )

...Such an irredeemably, worthless, lowdown, horrible, foolish, idiotic scumbag... who shouldn't dare presume to have any hopes or dreams... to be so impudent as to strive towards something. ( if he's unable to have anything for himself, then the next best thing — the people that have always been better than the rest are who he'll help. he nods to himself, his whole body feels hot as he thinks of everyone's hopes here within the school. the way they come together despite negative circumstances, how they're trying to move forward. ) No matter what it is I have to do, even if it's to make sure they become stronger...

( he hears moriarty's laugh, and komaeda's eyes slowly leave from the ground, slowly, white and black swirl in his eyes, and he laughs too. almost like he's out of it. ) For everyone to grow healthy, sometimes I have to be the one who plants the seeds and with my nutrients will they take care of everything else... ( his body shakes, a shiver rolling down his spine while his fingers dig into the fabric of his jacket for something to latch onto. ) For their hope, I'll do whatever must be done, no matter how they feel on the matter... they'll complain it's wrong, but it's not.. if it's for them... I'll take the fall over and over and over and over and over and...

( he seems to be in his own world. )

[Moriarty is silent as Komaeda continues, listening to every syllable that falls out of his mouth with rapt attention.

There's only one response to this - it demands it, loud and clear, for someone who so devotes himself to the outlook he's fostered, someone so self-sacrificial as to be willing to play the villain to push those who will not step forward by their own two feet, unflinchingly, despite the pain it will bring.

Once Komaeda has trailed off...he begins to applaud.]

....Splendid. Truly, truly splendid...! Such dedication, from one so young...!

[His voice is warm, genuine - his entire expression is that of a teacher praising a student for a correct answer, finding joy in their joy at it.]

I must extend my admiration for you, young man. Though many may not understand your goals, they are admirable - indeed, the plant knows not who planted it, nor who made sure it took root in tender soil. To wish to guide those shoots, even if they decry you...a gardener needs not the understanding of that which he tends!

[That warmth rises a bit in his eyes, as he steps forward and extends a hand toward Komaeda, as if to offer to help steady him.]

Please - might I have your name, young man? Allow me to get to know you better, as forward as it might be.

( praise is something new to komaeda, a little too much that even he doesn't know what to do with it. to him, what reason is there to be praised when this is what he's dedicated his life to? it's with this that the applause causes him to break out of his little spiel, his eyes slowly returning back to normal and a sheepish personality compared to his willing to accept anything when it comes to hope self. his hands raise up, acting as if he's been caught while shaking his head. the tone of voice, along with the nature of his actions — komaeda isn't familiar with it and if he had to be honest, he doesn't really know how to respond.

he's silent for a moment, his train of thought coming to a complete thought as the other continues. )

Now, now... The group who'll use me for their personal gain are the one's deserving of such applause.

( he thinks his preference has meaning, but he can understand if it's ignored thanks to how little komaeda views himself. in a way, he is grateful that someone understand what must be done, and he follows up to show his appreciation. he places a hand to his chest, and he smiles softly as he looks towards the older gentleman like the ideal student — though, that's just one of komaeda's mixture of personalities settling on something. his mind processes this situation a little calmly, but even he can't control his reactions, but despite the positivity beaming off his person — his eyes stare at the hand offered to him, and quickly they move up to read the man's expression. )

....

( there's nothing betraying his words, as shocking as that may be, and komaeda has yet to move to accept the other, until he does. he reaches out to take it with his organic hand, which is cold to the touch, but komaeda already appears to be dead so it'd make sense. ) It's been awhile since someone agreed so easily, I find that everyone must be in denial... but that's too presumptions of a maggot like me... to have thoughts. ( of course he moves in, shaking the other's hand and not realizing it's meant to keep him up, and with two shakes, he does keep his hand there. )

...I'm Nagito Komaeda. ( he pauses, looking the other over. ) And you would happen to be...?

[A cold hand is fine - his own trend cold, and with his gloves off, inkstains can be seen on his hands and fingers as he gently squeezes Komaeda's hand.]

No, even the smallest being has thoughts - or a will. Most people would not understand you, yes - they might even find it frightening, or it might make them angry. But - I suppose I, out of everyone else, would have a unique perspective on things of that sort.

[He smiles, before giving a polite, victorian bow towards Komaeda - still holding his hand, still willing to support him.]

My name - is James Moriarty. I am the Old Spider - the devil, the scoundrel of London, the Napoleon of Crime! The lynchpin of all Evil!

[His voice is - triumphant, booming, and attention grabbing. It demands you pay attention, almost even demanding you kneel before a man who could control the very world itself from the shadows with just his intellect and charisma.

And yet, there is still a terrible kindness in it towards Komaeda. A feeling of sameness, for just a moment.]

Hey.

( that's a lot. even his voice is covered by how overwhelming the male's voice is — almost like it's been swallowed up by the sea, or the way tree's leaves rustle together and the sound is swallowed by the currents of a river. that's how insignificant komaeda's soft voice is when the other speaks his introduction because there's so much given, yet, there's information he doesn't understand. he's baffled from the name, even the titles that follow along with it because they're familiar. despite komaeda's appearance, he's one who frequents the library more than the nurse's office, and that's because the chances of his luck working against him is relatively low. with that sort of freedom, he's allowed to read as much as he wants, it almost makes him speechless from how familiar the name is.

to even have someone bow before him while holding his hand feels like too much, and komaeda swallows down the saliva lodged in his throat as he continues to stare. he wonders if he heard right, or maybe he's just a little delusional because what are the chances to meet someone with a name like that? like the man said before when he spoke about the id number of his pda — likely, but with those labels? one in a million. )

...That's pretty lucky, you know? To have a name like that.

( especially one of a character that's well-known from a story of fiction. he tries to keep his cool though, not too sure how he should handle this — should he laugh? should he stare? should he reject the idea and ask for their name again? the latter is hard considering his voice makes everything so believable that he doesn't question it. it takes him a moment, wondering if he's too late to answer properly until he clears his throat, and the hand that holds onto moriarty's own tightens a bit. that's where komaeda's eyes flutter towards, pale green noticing the black smudges stained along the gentleman's skin. he has so many questions, though none of the answers are coming to him naturally as he stares at how worn the his hands are — they've been through a lot, have done many things... )

Almost as if...

( his voice trails off and he looks away from the male's face, but his charm is infectious, and it's enough to make komaeda smile despite his doubt. he doesn't want to make an assumption like this, and even in the back of his mind he wonders if he should check in with saihara considering he also has his head in the books. the ultimate detective would be aware of the same name too, right? he would, there's no doubt. )

There's no way, especially not with my rotten luck...

[Yes - it would be fanciful, for most people. Oh, yes, the Moriarty family name did exist in real life, and it would be so easy to laugh and say his parents were fans of the stories.

But that would be a lie. He is - Truly is -]

No, you assume correctly.

[His smile widens as he places one of his hands on Komaeda's shoulder - 'like a father's blessing before you go out into the cold, cruel world' - but still with that voice that brooked no argument, almost asked for obedience and belief, but in a way that felt...natural. Like a parent asking for you to trust them.]

I am genuinely - the very same man that is told of in those stories. The man who dared to go up against Sherlock Holmes, and ultimately met his end in the cold waters of Reichenbach falls.

[There's no hatred or anything as he recounts that - acceptance, yes, but...]

I am James Moriarty - and how interesting is it that you neither completely disbelieve, nor wish to turn me away upon hearing that.

Though I would understand the disbelief. Why, I am a man who died over a century ago - even I remember my own death, as clearly as any memory of mine. But, I am here, alive in front of you. You may check my pulse, if you'd like - or believe I am nothing but a charlatan or delusional man.

But - I am a Servant. A Heroic Spirit, brought back in a form to help serve humanity itself. Even a base criminal such as myself can be helpful in that way, serving as a warning for all those who would attempt to follow down my path of Evil!

[He laughs, and then-]

It is my utmost pleasure to meet you, Komaeda. Yours is a name and being I will not forget easily.

I see...

( that's new. komaeda didn't even say anything to doubt the other's name, and yet he speaks proudly of his origin that makes him hesitant. it isn't fear that crates his hesitance, but only this vague feeling of worth that makes him wonder if he has any right to do so. the shock on his face does die down as seconds pass, and his mind flips through the pages of his memory to recall that same book. bits and pieces don't match up in his head and komaeda knows why that is, but his thoughts can only retain so much information only eats steadily eaten away by his illness. it only takes a few minutes from his confusion to settle into something more of a sick man's compliancy — his actions and emotions are always turning, so the fact he listens more and more to the point it becomes a natural thing.

a fictional story made reality before his eyes, and easily komaeda laughs, albeit breathy. if he's here, that means the contents of that book were a reality because he's here — nothing questionable about him, and so komaeda's able to continue on without any problems. though, because of his knowledge, he doesn't know the true weight those words carry when he exposes himself as a servant, but to komaeda, it's something relatable. )

A Servant, huh... ( he points out, choosing this as something to make known about himself to the other. ) I was one too, for the Warriors of Hope. ( he actually sounds a bit tired as he says, especially since the ending of that story didn't pan out like he wanted, but those are more complicated memories. ) Even then, I did what was needed to bring hope to the world, but... ( he sighs, moving on. ) that doesn't matter anymore. From what you've said you should already be aware...

( he takes a step forward, closing the distance between them as he looks the older gentleman in his eyes. )

That a criminal such as yourself is useful because by overcoming you and those that walked your path, Sherlock Holmes was able to show hope to the people! You forced people to view him as a Symbol of Hope, and that in itself... ( and he shakes the other's hand again. ) Moriarty-kun, don't underestimate yourself because without you, their hope would have never got as far as it's going!

[Ah, that's-

Those last words are what truly make his breath catch, for just a moment. It's not what he would have said about his and Holmes' ending - or, well, just his - but the way that is praising his own accomplishments, in Komaeda's own way...

He's a little...It's hard to say, really. Touched? Unsure?

It wasn't far off from the reason why Anti-heroes could even be in the Throne - as warnings, and catalysts for the true Heroes, the reasons why they existed.

So, instead...]

Haha - Thank you.

[Being polite and thanking him seems best, even as he shakes back.]

Though my Servant and your servant is undoubtably different...I appreciate what you said, young Komaeda. Though I would have loved to continue my evil unfettered, of course - it is true that through me, Holmes gained the notoriety of 'coming back from the dead', and being called 'the Immortal Detective.'

Of course, he never died in the first place, given as my body cushioned the blow upon the Falls' rocks, but it existed all the same. A symbol of hope, of Good triumphing without fail, even when it seemed to have claimed a pyhric victory.

...Forgive me, I've begun to ramble. The point is - thank you.

Thanking trash like me for what...? There's only one thing for us and as long as we follow those plans, we will hear those worthy of such praise actually thanked!

( he says that with a smile despite speaking low about himself, but like before, he says this like it's natural. someone like james moriarty thanking komaeda doesn't make sense to him when their role is basically the same, if anything, they should see eye to eye. they aren't worth the time to be thanked, or even acknowledged when it's about ensuring that the other's they want to see prosper and even now, moriarty speaks of what he's done and that in itself is exciting. everything he's done from start to finish was all part of of sherlock holmes' growth, and the many others who held every breath in anticipation for what was to happen next. )

The amount of people that revere him isn't small, and the same goes for you, but the hope that's spread over the world about that one person in particular...

( komaeda finally lets go of the servant's hand to replace it against his own chest, over his heart as he takes a step back from the other. clearing his throat, the ultimate shakes his head, and as thoughts move through that head of his, he laughs it off right after. where does he go from here, he wonders. the chances of him meeting someone of fiction that speaks to him on the same level is excited, that walks the same path as him...

how lucky is that? )

Aaah, this is truly a lucky experience... ( his breathing is slow, a wistful sigh following after. ) I wonder what bad phenomenon I'll be met with soon after like this — ( he's mumbling to himself at this point, his other hand wrapped around himself as nails dig into the fabric of his clothes. he snaps out of it quickly though, looking towards the other with a clear of his throat. ) Moriarty-san, forgive my uncalled for slip-up!

[He'll - need to ruminate on the true depth of what Komaeda is implying. It is a viewpoint close to his own, but the sheer self-erasure he does when speaking of it...

It is both facinating and terrifying at the same time - but then again, wouldn't someone also assume that about his theory of the earth's destruction? Perhaps he's just grasped a little of the feelings that made his peers in academia reject his work.

And deep down, it is....a complicated feeling, to be the stepping stone for Holmes to embody hope to the world.

But, he will not refute it. It is still only a surface level understanding he has - for now, it may be better to move onto another topic, which the young man easily gives up.]

Yes, well...It is the ingrained response of culture that makes me thank you, I suppose. But never mind that - You may call me Moriarty-kun or Moriarty-san, or even just Moriarty or James. I am a foreigner, after all - I am more than fine with any of it, as long as it is my name.

[He gives a quick wink, before clearing his throat.]

Though - I must admit, now you have me curious. Why would you say you'll meet with ill luck after this?

( his words are less than familiar, but komaeda will match them with the fact that he too is polite to the people that he meets. the lack comes from not being the one who gains kind words, and rather, he's used to the negative connotations that apply to him. he thinks about it, canting his head to the side as his eyes blink slow before looking off somewhere else. )

It might be hard to remember since we just met, so think of me just like you!

( and that doesn't involved being thanked? well, moriarty in his own right deserves the recognition, and once before, komaeda asked for it too. sadly, his mind moves back and forth, left to right when it's meaningful to him, and while he reveres hope as much as he does — ) I didn't want to offend you, Moriarty-san... but if you don't believe I'm overstepping then...

( could that be considered too straightforward? especially when they've just met — he knows that he's already called him moriarty-kun, but he's making sure... if it's fine — because he does want to do right by him. figuring out why that is, his eyes meet back with the others as a brow raises slowly, and then he smiles afterwards. )

And it's because... ( he proceeds to lack enthusiasm in his voice as he continues, sighing softly with mild regret. ) I'm lucky...

[Think of him like Moriarty himself, hm...

That's a bit of an interesting declaration, though Moriarty keeps that thought to himself. Instead, he just nods at Komaeda's assumption that it's not an overstep at all.]

I'm hardly offended by you - I have been called much worse, as you well know. It is all the same to me.

[But still - there it was again. The repeated refrain that he's lucky, along with enthusiasm leaving and disappointment being in it's place.

Gently, he maintains that eye contact - making this almost look like a terse stand off, with Komaeda having backed away from him a bit.]

Could you - explain, then? Forgive me - I am not following why that would make you always sound so disappointed once it is brought up.

[Hinata sighs. That's about enough, he thinks.]

It's nothing that needs explaining. Komaeda's luck is a talent he was chosen for, and... there is some evidence for it, I suppose. [He thinks, begrudgingly, of how Komaeda had been chosen for those cleaning duties just as he wanted.] But just like hope, he uses it as an excuse for everything in his life.

[Hinata unfolds his arms and pushes away from the wall where he'd been waiting, listening. He hasn't been here for especially long; he'd been in class when he heard about the incident in the auditorium, and getting down the stairs, even just the one floor... always takes him some time, now. He'd gotten here in time to hear Moriarty introduce himself, then spent a good deal more time in shock because - that can't really be what's going on here, is it...?

Although he's seen a lot of strange things already, just from the school alone let alone the other transfer students, so maybe he shouldn't be surprised at all.]

...I guess I should've expected to see you here, Komaeda.

[He says it with an arched brow, tone full of disappointment but absolutely unsurprised. Trouble invites trouble, and all that.]

( komaeda's luck is the bane of his existence, but it's also something he can't properly live without. no matter how much he dislikes it to the point it separates him from other ultimates, he still uses it for his own advantage. he knows that depending on how much of himself that he risks, what he wants will happen, even if he can't remember if the cost of his life really gave the outcome he was after. sadly, that's a conversation for another time. )

Well...

( familiar voice, familiar tone and familiar presence that causes komaeda to turn his head the moment he hears, almost like a perked up dog who's heard their owner. it's not like that, but it seems to appears that way when it goes hand in hand with causing problems around hinata. despite his quick response, his lips do purse into a straight line before turning up into a delighted smile. hinata's right when he explains how komaeda luck works, and it's also true that he uses it to cover all his faults — his decisions, his reasons, the way he lives — without hope and without luck, he'd be some boring, talentless idiot who's life meant nothing. at least with hope, he has a chance to be something. )

Ah, that's pretty rude, the least you could do is introduce yourself.

( he waves a pointed finger slowly through the air while pointing at his classmate, almost scolding him for his actions. it's fine, this doesn't stop komaeda at all, and he's far too involved in moriarty's concept to really be jostled. well, komaeda can never truly be taken out of his element when he lives his life the way he does. )

Moriarty-san, that's Hinata-kun! You really don't have to learn anything about him because he doesn't remember, haha!

( quite the contrast in voices considering how disappointed the other sounds and how much komaeda doesn't really care as he stares at moriarty, )

Hinata-kun, this is Moriarty-san. ( he hums in thought, turning to hinata now. ) It's best to make friends with those who aren't Ultimates, that way you won't get lonely.

Edited 2021-05-01 03:05 (UTC)

[This meeting - and interjection - says so very, very much. Moriarty is mostly silent as Hinata speaks, but the way his eyes trace onto Hinata's form should say it all, if the other is paying attention - how the older man seems to take in every little detail with those piercing eyes of his, calculating and remembering as much as he can.

So this is someone who knows him - Someone who clearly doesn't agree with his worldview. Understandable, and yet - Komaeda is harsh, yet also clearly happy to see the other. Not an Ultimate? An interesting term - most likely connected with his worldview.

Once they've stopped speaking, he gives a polite gentleman's bow to Hinata.]

A pleasure to meet you, young Hinata. I appear to have already been introduced, but I will state it again for the record, as they say - I am James Moriarty.

[A pause, and then-]

Luck being a talent he was 'chosen' for? Could you explain, then? I was attempting to understand, you see - Komaeda has an interesting point of view about the world, and I am also a philosopher on top of being a retired math professor.

[And criminal mastermind, but that goes unsaid - he's all charisma and smiles, smiling brightly as if to say there's no worry in giving him that information.]

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kicks down the door and ruins everything

the way i didnt track tHIS IM SOOO SORRY its tracked now

IT'S FINE I TOOK FOREVER TOO